Structural Expert Witness & Forensic Engineer in Oregon
When a structural failure, a construction defect or a damaged building ends up in a dispute, the parties need someone who can explain what happened in plain terms and stand behind it. Johnson Broderick Engineering provides forensic engineering and structural expert witness services in Oregon for lawsuits, court cases and other litigation.
Expert witness services
Aaron M. Broderick, P.E., a founding partner of the firm, has served as:
- Attorney consultant — advising counsel on the engineering questions in a case
- Expert witness in arbitration
- Expert witness at trial
Aaron is a registered professional civil engineer in Oregon, Washington and California, with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University (emphasis in structural engineering).
Forensic engineering
Forensic engineering is about finding out why: why a structure moved, cracked, sagged or failed, and what it will take to put it right. We draw on the same experience we use every day on existing buildings — reading how something was actually built, rather than how the drawings say it was built.
- Investigation of structural damage and failures
- Assessment of existing structures and their condition
- Documentation — site observations, measurements and photographs
- Repair recommendations and repair design
How we approach it
Our reputation is for being straight shooters. We don’t sugar coat an answer, and in forensic and litigation work that matters more than anywhere. We tell you what the evidence supports and what it doesn’t — including when the answer isn’t the one you were hoping for.
We are also careful about what we can and can’t conclude. Much of a structure — especially a foundation — is hidden below grade, in a crawlspace or behind finishes. A single crack can mean movement, or it can be the result of poor installation, under-reinforcement or other causes. We say where the limits of an assessment are.
What we don't do
We are not currently taking foundation inspections on homes as part of real estate transactions. A foundation is usually at least partly hidden, so a full assessment isn’t possible, and we can’t in good faith prepare a document for a buyer or seller to rely on as part of a sale. If that’s what you need, we’re still happy to talk the situation through and point you in a useful direction.
Common questions
Will you consult without testifying?
Yes. Aaron has worked as an attorney consultant as well as testifying in arbitration and at trial.
Where do you take expert witness work?
We are licensed in Oregon, Washington and California, and will travel anywhere in Oregon.
Related projects
Dead Mountain Tower Site
Near Westfir: survey, site design, land use and Forest Service coordination for a new 100-foot tower beside an existing compound on Dead Mountain.
Camp Lutherwood Dining Hall Expansion
Near Cheshire: structural design for a larger dining hall at Camp Lutherwood, the next step in the camp’s master plan, including an assessment of the existing building.
Rosen Sunvisor Systems Storage Addition
Springfield: A pre-engineered steel storage addition to a 37,000 sq ft manufacturing plant, with a hidden wall-panel problem found and repaired during construction.
DickieJo’s Self-Serve Wall, Valley River
Eugene: As-built drawings, wall design, egress study and a fast permit for a self-serve frozen yogurt wall in a busy burger restaurant near Valley River Center.
Veneta Food Truck Plaza Dining Hall
Veneta: Repairing rot-damaged floor framing and permitting an older wood-framed building in phases so it can serve as indoor dining for a food truck plaza.
Siletz Tribal Office Remodel
Eugene: Permit drawings to reclad, re-window and update an office building for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, approved by the City in under three weeks.